Police and Fire Headquarters lobby closed

Amid concerns regarding COVID-19, the City of Sioux City is taking every possible precaution to protect the health and safety of its employees and residents while continuing to deliver high quality service.

As part of this effort, the lobby of the Police & Fire Headquarters has been closed to visitors.

If you require Immediate emergency assistance, please call 911.

If you wish to make a report with an officer, call 712-279-6960 and an officer will be sent to your location or contact you.

If you wish to obtain a copy of a police report or need a tow release, call 712-279-6440.

If you are requesting the return of property, call 712-279-6977.

If you wish to speak to the Fire Department, call 712-279-6314.

If you do not have a phone, there is a video doorbell in the middle of the station doors that will be answered.

Until further notice, the department is not taking fingerprints.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.

The Sioux City Police Department and Woodbury County Emergency Managementcongratulate CERT graduates.

Sioux City Police Chief, Rex Mueller, and Woodbury County Emergency Management Coordinator, Rebecca Socknat are proud to announce the graduation of 9 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) participants.  Certificates were awarded to the graduates on February 18, 2020, at The Security Institute located on the campus of Western Iowa Tech Community College. 

This is the seventeenthyear that Homeland Security funding has been used to offer CERT training to the Volunteers In Police Service and Citizen Academy graduates and more than 320 participants have received CERT training over the 17 years. The Sioux City Police Department is grateful for this partnership and opportunity to offer this annual training.      

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, using a model created by the Los Angeles City Fire Department, began promoting nationwide the use of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept in 1994.  CERT training promotes a partnering effort between emergency services and the people that they serve.  The goal is for emergency personnel to train members of neighborhoods, community organizations, or workplaces in basic response skills.  If a disastrous event overwhelms or delays the community’s professional response, CERT members can assist by helping their families and neighbors until emergency help arrives at the scene.  CERT skills also apply to daily emergencies that may occur, and have been used to help save lives of some of our local citizens in the past.  

The CERT training consisted of classes that covered the following topics: Emergency Management, DisasterPreparedness & Homeland Security; Communications Center and 911; Severe Weather Training; Fire Suppression; General First Aid; Heat Related Injuries &Infectious Diseases; and Adult, Child & Infant CPR.

Congratulations to the Sioux City Police Department 

2020 CERT graduates who are as follows: Deb Andriessen, Jack Desrosiers, Mike Gill, Brad Grier, Jeanie Husted, Sandra Lopez, Sheila Schumann, Amy Towner, and Jimmy Towner

SCPD works to keep vapes from kids

Vapor devices or “vapes” come in various designs. Their popularity with kids has grown significantly over the years.

The Sioux City Police Department has seen a trend of increased nicotine alternative and vapor or “vapes” products among teens. Vapor products or “vapes” are electronic devices used to heat a liquid to an aerosol or vapor which is inhaled by the user.

Iowa law prohibits persons under the age of 18 from purchasing or possessing not only tobacco products but also nicotine alternatives and vapor products.

Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1 of this year, 126 citations have been issued to teens for possessing tobacco, nicotine alternative, or vapor products. Of those citations, 104 have been for possessing vapor products used for vaping. Fines for underage possession of these products start at $50 for a first offense and increase up to $150 for subsequent offenses.

As part of an effort to keep these products from teens, the SCPD is participating in the Iowa Alcohol Beverage Division’s (ABD) I-PLEDGE initiative. The ABD created the initiative as an effort to get 100% compliance with Iowa’s laws on selling these products by retailers. ABD offers free training to retailers and their employees on preventing sells of tobacco, nicotine alternatives, and vapor products to minors.

In addition to the training, the SCPD is also in process of checking compliance with Iowa laws by retailers. Officers with the Special Investigations Unit will be sending people under 18 into stores to attempted to purchase these products. The teens are instructed to show their ID if requested and steps are taken to make no effort to mislead sales clerks. Should a clerk sell to a minor, they will be issued a citation fining them $100.

The goal of the checks is to obtain 100% compliance by retailers. The ABD reports that statewide, there is a 91% compliance rate.

Parents can also help in this effort by not allowing teens to purchase or possess vapor products or the pods and vape juices associated with them. We also encourage them to discuss the health risks associated with using these products to include addiction to nicotine.

Retailers interested in completing i-PLEDGE Retailer Certification can do so at the following link https://ipocp.iowaabd.com/portal.

Information to inform parent and help them talk to their kids about vaping can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/index.htm.

“Vape Juice” are liquids added to vapor devices and usually contain nicotine. They are flavored which research suggests helps attract kids to these products.

Vapor devices or “vapes” come in various styles. They all have to be charged and have a liquid added to them.

Vapor devices or “vapes” may look like a thumb drive to some people not familiar with.

Vapor devices or “vapes” may look like a thumb drive to some people not familiar with.

Vapor devices or “vapes” may look like a thumb drive to some people not familiar with.

Some vapor devices can be charge via USB ports.

Seeking information in the murder of Chad Thomas

We are asking the public for any information that they may have in the murder investigation of 42-year-old Chad A. Thomas of Sioux City.

On Dec. 14 shortly after 10:04 pm, Thomas was found suffering from gunshot wounds in the area of 17th and Ingleside. He was transported to MercyOne were he succumbed to his wounds.

If you have any information on this, please call Det. Nate West at 279-6365 or Crime Stoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).

Chad Thomas

Arrest Made in Robbery

On 12/13/19 at 11:39 AM, the Sioux City Police Department received a call of a robbery in the 1500 block of Virginia St.  The victim reported a male party acted as if he had a firearm and demanded his vehicle.  The suspect then left in the vehicle.  A short time later the vehicle was involved in an accident at 25th and Clark Street and the suspect fled the scene.

At 8:35 PM, the suspect returned to a relative’s house at 1519 Virginia St.  After a brief standoff with officers, the suspect surrendered peacefully. The Sioux City Police Department uses all resources necessary to resolve these issues in the safest manner possible.

The arrested party is,

Juanito Gonzales, 24, of Sioux City

He has been charged with Robbery 2nd degree.

Possibly impaired driver causes accident in interstate after traveling the wrong way

At approximately 6:30 am on Dec. 7 a Chevy pickup was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes on Interstate 29. The pickup truck struck a SUV nearly head-on between the 148 and 147B exits.

A Sioux City woman in the SUV sustained non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Mercy One.

The pickup continued on in the wrong direction to the area of the railroad bridge where it was spotted by a SCPD officer on his way home from the night shift. The officer observed the vehicle run into the concrete barrier repeatedly before going back northbound on the interstate with no lights. The officer relayed this information to officers approaching the area until losing sight of the pickup truck.

A WCSO Deputy spotted the vehicle getting on the Gordon Viaduct eastbound after Woodbury Communications received a call from a citizen following the vehicle off the interstate. The pickup truck failed to stop for the deputy, at which time a SCPD officer forced the vehicle to a stop. Both the Gordon Viaduct eastbound and I-29 northbound were completely closed for a short time while the scenes were processed and injured tended to.

The pickup truck driver, 32 year old Nickolas Diediker of Concord, NE, was charged with OWI, felony eluding, leaving the scene of an injury accident, no proof of insurance, reckless driving, no headlights, and driving the wrong way on a divided highway.

Agencies involved in the incident were the Sioux City Police Department, Sioux City Fire / Rescue, Woodbury County Sheriff's Office, Iowa DNR, Iowa State Patrol, and Sergeant Bluff Police Department.

Arrests and charges noted in this matter are considered merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Arrest made in downtown parking lot robbery

On Dec. 5 at about 9:44 pm, the Sioux City Police Department received a report of a robbery in the Hard Rock Casino parking lot at 111 3rd St.

The victim reported to officers that a male approached his vehicle, displayed a firearm, and demanded the vehicle and money. The suspect fled the area after taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim.

A short time later, officer located the suspect a short distance away and took him onto custody.

Charged with 1st degree robbery was 26-year-old Robert W. Anderson of San Antonio, Texas.

We would like to thank the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for their assistance in this matter. Their contribution and dedicated to the security of their guests helped with the quick apprehension of the Anderson.

Plymouth County pursuit of stolen car ends in Sioux City

On Dec. 5 at about 11:01 am, the Sioux City Police Department was notified that a deputy with the Plymouth County Sheriff's Office was in pursuit of a stolen vehicle and was heading towards Sioux City on Highway K12.

The fleeing car entered Sioux City at speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Officer with the department responded to the area and attempted to deploy tire deflation devices. Due to these efforts, the driver of the fleeing vehicle stopped the car and surrendered in the 3300 block of Military Rd.

Officers and deputies took 25-year-old Megan M. McMillim of North Sioux City, South Dakota into custody. She was transported to Plymouth County to be investigated for Operating While Intoxicated and charged there for the pursuit.

There was a 29-year-old passenger in the vehicle that was questioned and released without charges.

The car used in the pursuit was a 2011 Hyundai Sonata that was stolen on Nov. 23 from Sioux City's east side.

Tips to stop porch pirates from making off with your loot

Online shopping makes holiday gift buying convenient especially with delivery to your front door. This front door service is also convenient for thieves commonly referred to as “porch pirates.”

Last holiday season, the Sioux City Police Department saw an increase of packages stolen from porches and expects the trend to continue.

With that in mind, here are some tips to reduce the chances of a porch pirate making off with your online order.

Pay attention to tracking information and if possible, be home or have someone you trust pick up your package after it is delivered.

Have your orders sent to your place of employment if they will allow it or have the delivery company hold on to it for you.

Choose the ‘sign for release’ option of delivery. That way, the delivery service has to hand your delivery to a person.

If you are a victim of a theft, report it to law enforcement. If you have surveillance cameras, share that footage with law enforcement also. Check with your neighbors to see if they have surveillance cameras and if they would have any footage around the time of theft.

Keep your porch well lit. It is getting dark earlier and it may be dark before you get home. A well-lit porch may help your neighbor keep an eye out for thieves.

One of the biggest things to emphasis is be a good neighbor and watch out for each other. Keep an eye out for suspicious activity such as cars following delivery trucks or casing neighborhoods. If you see people taking packages or any suspicious activity, report it to police.

Sioux City Police Department to partner with Iowa Alcohol Beverages Division for tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product education and enforcement

The Sioux City Police Department has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of Sioux City youth.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcohol Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa’s tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product laws. Since the program’s inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 91%. By participating in the program, the Sioux City Police Department has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirmative defense against civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale.

“I-PLEDGE’s retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor product sales,” said Chief Rex Mueller. “The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment.”

Officers will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products to a minor include $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense, and a $500 fine for a third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is the intent of the I-PLEDGE program. It is the sincere hope of the department that all clerks are found to be in compliance with Iowa laws and refuse to sell tobacco products, nicotine alternative, and vapor products to minors.

“By partnering with the Alcohol Beverages Division, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a compliant retail environment in our community,” said Mueller. “Moreover, it is our pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine, and vapor products out of the hands of Sioux City’s youth.

To tale the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records, go to https://abd.iowa.gov/.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

We’ve enjoyed some mild and calm conditions recently, however area meteorologists are forecasting for that to change rapidly around noon today. With inclement weather on its way, here are ten tips to keep in mind while winter driving:

1. Avoid it

2. Allow for extra time to travel from one place to another

3. Slow down

4. Keep at least three car lengths between you and vehicles ahead of you

5. Drive with your lights on, even during daylight hours

6. Avoid using cruise control

7. Don’t pass snow plows

8. Know the limits of your vehicle

9. Do not accelerate or brake aggressively

(firm pressure on your brake pedal is best, don’t stomp on it)

10. Completely defrost and clear all windows to maximize your visibility

Please pay attention to local forecasts for the most up-to-date weather and road conditions, and review our tips on Winter Emergency Car Kits to give yourself the ultimate advantage for safe travel this winter season.

The Sioux City Police Department Welcomes its Newest Officers

The Sioux City Police Department is happy to welcome our newest officers to the team. Thad Boyer and Colin Scherle were sworn in this morning. Please congratulate these gentlemen as they begin their journey to serve the community through careers in Law Enforcement.

Five arrested last week for firearms charges

The Sioux City Police Department arrested four people last week in three separate incidents for illegal possession of firearms.

On Nov. 15 at 2:11 am, an officer stopped 21-year-old Salvador Carrasco-Chaidez of Sioux City for driving erratically. He was investigated for operating while intoxicated.

During the investigation, officers located a handgun in his car and cocaine. He was charged with Carrying Concealed Weapon, Possession of a Control Substance, OWI, and numerous traffic charges. An investigation is being conducted into the firearm to see if it is a stolen firearm.

Also, on Nov. 15 at 3:56 pm, officers were continuing their investigation into a robbery that had been reported the day before at 2201 Gibson St when they encountered some subjects of interest in a car. During their contact with the subjects, two handguns were located.

Officers arrested 19-year-old Kelece A. Taylor of Sioux City for Carrying a Concealed Weapon. A 17-year-old was also charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon and taken to Juvenile Detention. The juvenile’s name is not being released at this time the investigation into the robbery is ongoing.

On Nov. 16 at 5:00 am, officers responded to a disturbance in the 1300 block of Main St. Based on their investigation, 30-year-old Cordaro D. Whitshel was arrested for Domestic Assault.

While searching Whitsel, he was found to be in possession of a handgun and body armor. He was charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance in addition to the Domestic Assault Charge.

Accompanying Whitsel was 29-year-old Jacob J. Peters of Sioux City who was found to have an active warrant for his arrest. When he was taken into custody, he was found to be in possession of a handgun. He was booked into Woodbury County Jail on the warrant and also charged with Carrying a Concealed Weapon.

The Sioux City Police Department is committed to thoroughly investigating gun crimes and seeking the maxim penalties for anyone illegally possessing firearms and who use them in the commission of crimes.

We also ask all gun owners to keep their firearms secure in safes, maintain lists of serial numbers, and report any stolen firearms immediately to law enforcement.

The public is encouraged to provide officers any information they have on anyone who illegally possesses firearms for used them in various crimes. They can make a report to an officer by calling 279-6960 or Crimestoppers at 258-TIPS (8477).  

Increase in stolen cars, many with keys left them

There has been an increase in stolen cars reported as the weather gets colder. Between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12, there were 41 cars reported stolen. Of those, 22 were left running or the keys were left in them.

Most of the reported stolen cars were left running to warm up when they were taken. A few were left running as the owner ran into a business for a quick errand. These incidents are occurring all over town.

The department is strongly urging people to not leave their keys in their cars or leave them running and unsecured.

Luckily for most of the victims, their cars are recovered a short time later. Of the 41 cars stolen in this six-week period, 36 have been recovered.

People taking cars that are left running could be charged with Theft 2nd or Operating without Owner’s Consent.